CIE Tours International Celebrates 80 Years as Top Choice for Travel to Ireland

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ireland continues to earn high marks as one of today's hottest and most intriguing travel destinations, drawing more than one million visitors from North America in 2011 alone. With that number projected to increase by as much as 8% in 2012, CIE Tours International is making it easier than ever for vacationers to experience the wealth of exciting sites and events in the Emerald Isle this year, with an online booking discount of up to $300 per person for travel reserved before February 29. The offer is part of the travel company's celebration of 80 years as the industry's standard-bearer for fully escorted motorcoach tours of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

"Ireland continues to be a huge draw for travelers from around the world, and particularly for North American vacationers, who recently gave Ireland its highest rating in 12 years for value for the money," said CIE Tours International President Brian W. Stack.

Renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history, and warm, friendly people, there is simply no place quite like Ireland. From the spectacular Northern Lights currently illuminating Donegal to the opening this spring of the fascinating new Titanic Belfast Museum, Ireland's appeal has never been more compelling.

With 80 years of experience, CIE Tours showcases the absolute best aspects of each destination it serves. Moreover, with over 20 different Ireland itineraries of varying lengths and price options, CIE Tours' 5- to 14-day vacation packages ensure that travelers' valuable vacation dollars are put to optimal use.

According to Mr. Stack, "We are proud of CIE Tours' reputation as the #1 tour operator to Ireland, delivering the most exciting and affordable tour programs. We continuously fine-tune our itineraries in order to meet the widest possible range of travel tastes, lifestyles and interests."

With offerings to suit every price point and excellent booking incentives for 2012, CIE Tours' top three Ireland itineraries provide unique and memorable travel opportunities for vacationers of all ages. Top selling packages (to name but a few) include the following:

Irish Gold Program – An 8-day coach tour featuring deluxe and first class hotels in Dublin, Galway, Killarney and Waterford. Includes gourmet dinners, traditional shows, a Killarney Fjord catamaran cruise, visits to the Cliffs of Mother, Ring of Kerry, Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, and much more. Land-only rates begin at $1,398 per person.

Original Irish Pub & Folk Tour – An 8-day coach tour featuring a brilliant selection of first class hotels in Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney and Westport, with exceptional experiences including dinner in the famed 12th Century Brazen Head Pub; kissing the Blarney Stone; visits and tastings at the Guinness Storehouse; a pub dinner at the legendary Kate Kearney's; sheepdog trials on the Ring of Kerry; and outstanding pub experiences along the way, featuring live music. Especially attractive to young, active travelers, land-only rates for the Irish Pub & Folk Tour begin at $1,248 per person.

Irish Heritage and Dromoland Castle Tour – An 8-day coach tour featuring deluxe hotels throughout Bunratty, Killarney, Waterford, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, and Dromoland Castle Hotel in Newmarket-on-Fergus, consistently named among the world's most stunning five-star castle properties. Travelers enjoy a host of pampering experiences, including a banquet at Bunratty Castle, a pub dinner and show at the Merry Ploughboy, visits to the fabled Cliffs of Moher, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, and a trip to the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, where Irish coffee was born in the 1930s. The package also includes a memorable, one-of-a-kind dining experience at Dromoland Castle. Land-only rates begin at $1,398 per person.

For itinerary details or to reserve a tour, call CIE Tours International at 1-800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.

About CIE Tours International

For 80 years, CIE Tours International has set the standard for fully escorted motorcoach tours of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. This leading tour operator offers a broad selection of attractively priced itineraries of varying lengths, to ensure unsurpassed vacation experiences with maximum value for every budget. All CIE Tours travel itineraries are protected by the company's $550+ Advantage, which guarantees that travelers are never charged for special features considered optional extras with other tour companies. For additional information, please contact 1-800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.